Rab is an island in Croatia and a town of the same name located just off the northern Croatian coast in the Adriatic Sea.

With 30 sandy beaches Rab is a really Happy island with a lot of tiny, picturesque coves, recognised by tourists from all over the world almost 125 years ago, to this day, due to the crystal clear, warm and shallow sea, great for the entire family. Everyone can find their own private beach on Rab based on their preference.

The island of Rab was first mentioned in a Greek source Periplus of Pseudo-Scylax (360 BC) and then by other Greek and Roman geographists by the name Arba. That name belonged to the Liburnians, so far the oldest known inhabitants of the island. Arba was also the name of the Liburnian settlement in the modern city of Rab. It is not certain how old this name is; it may be as old as the settlement, which means from the beginning of the Iron Age, since the Liburnians did not build the city walls on the island. The Illyrian-Liburnian word Arb meant 'dark, obscure, green, forested'. Therefore, name Arba should be comprehended as a toponym meaning "Black island", due to the rich pine forests that once grew on the island.

Sightseeing on Rab

The main resort on the island, Rab Town, is where most of the island’s sights are located – and as it’s a place full of medieval buildings (many from the 13th century), that’s no surprise. The old town walls are still visible in some places; the central street (Srednja ulica) running through Rab Town contains some well-preserved 15th century buildings, leading up to the Town Loggia that was built in 1509.

The 26-metre high Bell Tower in town an be climbed for great views over the sea.

There are also numerous churches in Rab Town, including St Mary’s Church from the 11th century, which was in fact built on the site of a previous church, of which some materials were used in the construction of this one. The Church of St John is amongst the oldest – perhaps from the 6th or 7th centuries, whilst the Church of St Andrew has the oldest bell tower on the island – it was built in 1181.

Kalifront Forest, outside of Rab Town, is the largest forest on the island of Rab and has protected status.

The Franciscan Monastery of St Euphemia is located around 6km outside of Rab Town. Built in 1458, it contains a number of gloriously painted works, and its ceiling contains 27 scenes depicting St Francis of Assisi.